Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
The most likely place you could trigger an avalanche is where strong winds have drifted new snow into cohesive slabs at upper elevations. Very strong winds are expected to strip windward slopes and create firm slabs and deeper drifts in cross-loaded terrain features and below ridgelines. Drifted snow looks smooth, has a wave-like appearance, or feels firm and hollow. Safer travel can be found in wind-sheltered terrain.